Fighting game icon Dominique “SonicFox” McLean has canceled their appearance at Nexcon 2026 following the discovery of promotional materials that used artificial intelligence to generate their likeness. The convention, organized by Ninjutsu Entertainment and held in Norman, Oklahoma, featured flyers that appeared to be entirely AI-generated, including distorted depictions of other creators slated to attend.
SonicFox publicly stated their refusal to have their likeness used in such a manner, immediately withdrawing from the event. They posted on X, formerly Twitter, "Update: Contract terminated and no longer attending! :3."
In response to the cancellation, Ty Bailey, a founder of Ninjutsu Entertainment, shared a video on X admitting to the use of AI in the promotional material and appealing for SonicFox to reconsider. Bailey explained that he and his business partner had no other option but to use generative AI due to financial constraints and a lack of time, citing their full-time jobs and inexperience in running a convention. He also mentioned that artists were unwilling to collaborate after the initial use of AI.
Bailey stated, "We're not gonna stop the con, but we definitely need you SonicFox. And I really hope you can come out here still."
Despite the apology and explanation, SonicFox maintained their decision. "I’m a forgiving person and I can hear the remorse in your voice so I forgive you," they wrote. "However, there are still consequences to said actions that will prompt me not to attend. Use the money you offered me in contract to hire artists, and maybe next year I’ll reconsider. Sorry."